The inflammatory microenvironment and microbiome in prostate cancer development

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Microbiology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Chronic inflammation is a known factor in solid cancer development.
• Inflammatory cells are frequently observed in the prostate microenvironment.
• Prostate inflammation is associated with precursor lesions like proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA).

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of chronic inflammation and the prostate microbiome in prostate carcinogenesis.
• To investigate the mechanisms by which inflammation may drive prostate cancer.
• To understand the link between prostatic infection, inflammation, and cancer development.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on inflammation, oxidative stress, epigenetic alterations, and prostate cancer.
• Analysis of studies on animal models of prostate carcinogenesis.
• Consideration of findings related to the urinary microbiome and prostatic epithelial cells.

Main Results:

• Inflammation may drive prostate cancer via oxidative stress, mutagenesis, and epigenetic changes.
• PIA lesions contain cells prone to genomic alterations leading to cancer.
• Animal studies suggest inflammatory changes reprogram prostate epithelial cells.
• Prostatic infection and barrier disruption can initiate an inflammatory microenvironment.

Conclusions:

• Evidence suggests inflammation and atrophy play a role in prostate carcinogenesis.
• The prostate microbiome may contribute to an inflammatory microenvironment.
• This inflammatory environment could promote prostate cancer development and progression.